Golden Lotus

This place is probably one of my favorite place to get pho and rice plates because the serving is just right, the service is direct, and the food is amazing!I usually get pho tai or the five spiced chicken rice plate and it always does the job for less than $20.I also add an extra fried egg to give me a protein boost in my rice plate and fills me up decently well.

For how chaotic the streets can be, Golden Lotus provides a clean and pleasant escape with outstanding service. The owner was very attentive, seating my colleague and me quickly and serving us hot tea on the spot. The service remained excellent throughout our meal--our cups were always full, and orders were taken efficiently without any rush.As for the food, this Vietnamese spot checks all the right boxes. The pho broth had a solid, standard flavor, and all ingredients tasted fresh and clean. You can tell the dishes are made to order rather than reheated like at some other places. Prices are fair for the area, and they execute the basics well.What stood out to me was the fried shrimp cake that came with the rice dish and the imperial rolls. The imperial rolls were light, crispy, and had the right amount of filling. They also offer chili oil upon request. Their nuoc cham is spot on, with the perfect balance of chili, garlic, fish sauce, and lime juice. My only critique is that the egg cake in the rice dish could have been denser with a better ground pork-to-vermicelli ratio, as it leaned more on the vermicelli side.Parking can be a bit sketchy because of some of the locals in the area, so keep that in mind. Next time, I'll definitely be trying their vermicelli (bún) dishes and Bún Bò Huế, which came highly recommended by others.Overall, a solid spot for Vietnamese food with great service and fair pricing!

Been living in SF for a couple years now and Golden Lotus has to be hands-down one of my favorite Pho spots! Im a Pho connoisseur and I've tried countless bowls across the city, but Golden Lotus consistently delivers rich, flavorful broth, perfectly cooked noodles, and high-quality meats. The depth of the broth stands out--it's well-balanced, aromatic, and never overly salty. Their toppings are always fresh, and the portions are generous (especially when ordering takeout!)Beyond the food, the service is warm - kindest owners! Whether you're craving a comforting bowl on a foggy SF day or just looking for top-tier Pho, Golden Lotus is a must-visit. Highly recommend!

Why was hungry today and our car is parked in the alley right where restaurant is , I ordered a large spicy beef noodle soup lg $15.00 ,, looks like a small ....2 icy water , the soup was pretty spicy and favored well , I drank and ask for more ice water , but the man just splash in alittle without filling the glass , OMG he's so stingy with his water,, why why ??? This is my peeee pett for not willing to refill water !!!! I'mNot eating here ever !!

I haven't eaten viet food in the TL since Turtle Tower closed, but my friend and I decided to come in while we were in the area and we were not disappointed. It's a no frills establishment in not the best neighborhood, but it was clean inside and the owner was friendly and welcoming. We each had a small bowl of pho dac biet (comes with all the meat options) and ordered the banh cuon to share. For a $15 bowl, it was a good portion that came with a lot of meat, especially compared to some other pho restaurants, and the broth was clean and didn't leave me guzzling water at the end of the meal. I was impressed by how tender the flank was and how flavorful the brisket was. While it wasn't the most complex broth, I definitely prefer it over those that are super oily and heavy. My one complaint is that the broth could've been hotter, but it was still good nonetheless. The banh cuon was also delicious - the texture of the roll was perfect, and I'm an absolute sucker for lemongrass pork. However, if you're a fellow cilantro hater, the menu doesn't say it but it does have cilantro. I was originally trying to pull it out and ended up just unrolling it to remove the cilantro, and the owner saw me struggling and asked if I wanted it remade which was so nice T_T thankfully there was no lingering flavor once removed so I declined, but I really appreciated that he offered.Considering the price point, portion, and quality of food, I would definitely come back to satisfy my pho cravings. The owner also greeted several customers who sounded like regulars, so you know others find it to be a reliable spot as well. Don't let the TL stop you from enjoying delicious food from a local business!

Best pho with fresh small flat noodles and the most flavorful broth. I always order the beef combo and the service is fast and staff are kind. I love that this location is locally owned and this business has funded the owner's kids through college. They are also one of the few pho places that open at 9am. Prices are standard and a little pricier than normal but it's legit and a no frills establishment. The area is bit sketch but worth the trek because the meal is always satisfying. Support local business!

If you come here, it will feel sketchy because there are lots of people around doing things that won't make you feel safe. However, once you get inside and eat your food, you'll realize this is one of the few places left that's homey and cheap. The pho was nice and large and actually had too much meat relative to the noodles. The owners are nice.If you set your expectations of this being a place where you can get good cheap pho and understand there's a reason it's cheap, you'll be happy

Located in the heart of the Tenderloin area, some may find it not that appetizing as you'll need to find street parking with parking meters that either don't work, or very dirty. If you are lucky to find parking you're greeted with a strong pungent unpleasant aroma created by humans and their by product. But once you make your way inside the restaurant, the environment gets lot better. The workers here are friendly and attentive with great food at great price that's unheard of in this era. This place had more than the traditional Pho with lot of good ol' Vietnamese comfort food. Didn't try all but the ones we tried are spot on. Their chicken wings are tasty but I prefer wingettes. Their pho was plenty and favorable. The Pho in this area is a dying industry. Although the exterior ambiance may be less than ideal, this place is worth the trip.

This was my second time here, and it was even better than the last.A really tasty broth pho with yummy fresh noodles and the service was extraordinary. He kept checking I was okay.Was $16 total with tip, which is fair for the area.Very clean and white background so looks nice, much nicer than outside.I would have like more veggies but probably could have just asked for more.

We came during lunch hours on a Saturday and were quickly attended to. The service was friendly and food arrived shortly after placing our order. I was pleasantly surprised to see they offered Cá Kho Tộ and Bánh Xèo on their menu, which I don't often see. The good was great and was the perfect fix for our Vietnamese food craving.